Branded

So. This sentance I read earlier in the week, in either the Times or the Grauniad has stuck in my mind. Rather longer, it has to be said, than the article in which it was included. I can't remember what the article was actually about (it wasn't about brands per se) but this sentance has been like a brain worm ever since I read it........ What brands speak for you?


Well. That's a good question. Of course in a very real sense no brand speaks for me. Not my political party (the one with the rose) or my professional association (the one with economia) nor my team (the one with Chas&Dave and the first victory for an English club in Europe and the first modern day double). But there are brands I associate with strongly and which others may associate with me. And they aren't necessarily the same as 10 years ago. Or even 5 years ago. Have I changed? Or have they? What does my changing taste say about ms - equally, what do my loyalties say about me? For now, I'm going to note 'my' current brands. And as and when they change, I'm going to try and understand why.

Diet Coke - longstanding. Unlikey to change ever.

The BBC - will never change. I love the BBC - but sub brands within the beeb are in flux. R5 is no longer my favourite radio station. I actively dislike it a lot of the time right now. I haven't dumped it but we are in a dysfunctional relationship. BBC 4 is becoming as important to me as BBC 1. Iplayer is a big part of my life now.

Doctor who - it's always been a brand, really. And my relationship with DW has lasted since I was 2. Basically, we're hitched till death.

Sainsburys - another dysfunctional relationship. I'd rather shop at waitrose. And I suspect Sainsburys wish I spent more money on other stuff with higher margins. Like booze. But we carry on as we are till something beter comes along. I definitely dong think Sainsburys speaks for me - but better them than the local alternatives.

Apple - this is new. Until recently although I had iPods everything else was pc based. Then we bought a mac mini and that was it, for me. Macs all the way now, baby! I was never happy with Microsoft as a brand and I never saw myself as a typical Microsoft person. So I guess I feel the apple/mac brands fit better with the sort of person I am or I believe myself to be.

Moeck and Kung - moeck make the recorders I play. Kung make the bass I would like to play if only I could afford to buy one ( note despite playing an aulos bass I do not associate myself with the brand)

Lush - fashion? Maybe. I just like the smells.

Frizz-Ease serum. The one beauty product I cannot live without.

Marmite - another whole of life association. The food of God.

The guardian - this one is on rocky ground. I hate the way GMG consistently stacks the BBC. I'd chuck the paper in an instant if there was an acceptable alternative. There isn't.

Penguin books - love the classic orange spines.

Roxy, White Stuff, Seasalt - the clothes I wear. Now. I still wear plenty of legacy Next but I don't see myself as a Next shopper any more. Is it my age? Or the fact that I associate those brands with Cornwall which is where I always am in heart and mind if not in body.

Nike - the only gym wear. The Agassi connection neutralised the Arse one which is a relief. Can't see myself swapping to another brand for gym gear.

The church - the biggest brand in the world. Again, I can't see myself jacking it in. It's a genuine family in the way that other organisations just aren't.